West Coast coach Adam Simpson has given his AFL rivals a hint about how to improve team accuracy – don’t let sports science get in the way of goal kicking practice.
The Eagles’ remarkable goal kicking accuracy continued on Sunday night when they came from 22 points behind in the final term to snatch a four-point win over Richmond.
West Coast had 7.0 to their name before a rushed behind was recorded late in the first half.
Most of their shots on goal were either from difficult angles or long distance, and they finished the match with 13.7 to their name.
It took their season tally to 175.122, further cementing their status as the league’s most accurate team.
When asked about the secret to good accuracy, Simpson said it was merely a matter of allowing players to practice as much as possible.
He dismissed myths that the sports science team had any power in restricting the amount of set shots players can take.
“The old school people are saying sports science. That’s rubbish,” Simpson said.
“We can kick as much as we want and have for years, so don’t let anyone say that.
“Coming in on your day off to do goal kicking – that probably doesn’t happen. But we put it in our program and the forwards value it.”
Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy has built a reputation for being one of the most reliable kicks for goal in the team.
He lived up to that reputation with 4.0 against the Tigers – including the match-winning 35m snap from the boundary line with 40 seconds to go.
“Our race to go inside at (our training base) at Mineral Resources Park is right where JK kicked that goal,” Simpson said.
“Literally the door. So out of any spot on the ground, that’s probably the spot he would like to take it.”
West Coast head into their bye nicely placed at 8-5, and they could welcome back Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard, Brendon Ah Chee, Luke Shuey, and Jack Petruccelle for their Round 15 clash with the Bulldogs.
Star midfielder Tim Kelly and defender Alex Witherden won’t be far behind.
Simpson was full of praise for midfielder Luke Edwards, who tallied 27 disposals against the Tigers in what was just his second AFL match.
Fourth gamer Luke Foley performed well in defence, while sixth gamer Harry Edwards also held his own as a key backman.
Simpson was full of pride at the way his team fought out the win against Richmond.
“It felt like a heavyweight battle,” he said.
“We hung in there. Probably Richmond overall played a bit better than us for the four quarters, but when it mattered most I thought we made the most of it.”
© AAP
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